F.lli Torti S.r.l, a company processing and selling potatoes and onions located in Molino dei Torti (right on the border between Lombardy and Piedmont), celebrated its 40th anniversary on 2nd June 2013.
The headquarters.
Brothers Gaetano and Cleto Torti, who established the company, reunited all of the family - most of whom already have a prominent role in the company - in order to celebrate the occasion.
A toast!
The owners took the opportunity to go through the history of the company. Gaetano Torti says that, "looking back, what I can say is that the style with which we used to work is very different to today's. We could overcome difficulties more easily, not only because we were young and were looking towards the future, but also because relationships with clients were based on collaboration and personal esteem. As the years went by and as the market changed, profit often prevailed over the quality of relations."
His brother Cleto adds that, "maybe the most critical moment we have ever lived is this one, whereas I remember the '80s with pleasure - we used to alternate the selling of potatoes and onions with strawberries from Peveragno (Piedmont). We carried it on until 1985, as it enabled us to vary our work throughout the year. Subsequently, we started working for retailing and therefore we have specialised on what is our current business."
The cake.
The assessment on the first 40 years of F.lli Torti is a positive one. Gaetano stresses that, "we have gone through a whole range of different moments but, if I think about it, only positive memories come to mind. We were lucky in the fact that us brothers and our family were always healthy and got along well. So much so that, despite the fact that I retired five years ago, I still cannot leave the company. I wouldn't know what to do - our work means everything to us, it's our life!"
Photo above: Cleto and Gaetano Torti, the two founding members of the company, cut the cake. Photo below: Gaetano and Cleto Torti receive a plaque from nephews Gregorio and Gabriele.
Cleto adds: "Ours is a true family business. We started from scratch and we made it grow with our own hands. Everybody needs to know how to do a bit of everything, be a manager or a technician or even a cleaner, when needed!"
Gaetano stresses that, "we wanted to create something around which our family would reunite and which can grow for future generations."
The plaque celebrating the spirit of the family business.
An unusual season for potatoes
Certainly, running a business in the fruit and vegetable sector means you're never bored: each season is different and there's always something unexpected. "For example, I have never seen a situation like this in 40 years. Wait for it!"
Gaetano explains that, "sowing started one month late even in our area because of bad weather during Spring. Even once sowing was over, temperatures remained lower than average, slowing down the development of tubers."
"In the meantime, we ran out of 2012 stocks and of new potatoes, so the gap in supplies is unprecedented. It wouldn't surprise me if Europe remains without potatoes between mid-June and mid-July!"
Cleto Torti recalls that, "a situation similar to this one happened in 1974, when the produce was lacking and, in order to find some potatoes, we contacted some importers who had bought produce in South America. Potatoes arrived in an awful state but the tubers that were saved had an incredible success, so much so that ten years later people were still asking for them! In fact, they were white-fleshed potatoes that tasted great."
According to the expectations of the Torti brothers, harvesting won't start before August. "Everything depends on the weather," they say.
Contacts:
F.lli TORTI srl
Via Marconi 54/61
15050 Molino dei Torti (AL)
Tel.: (+39) 0131 854363
Fax: (+39) 0131 854188
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fratellitorti.it
